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Large-amplitude cycles of Daphnia and its algal prey in enriched environments

Author

Listed:
  • Edward McCauley

    (University of Calgary)

  • Roger M. Nisbet

    (Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California)

  • William W. Murdoch

    (Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California)

  • Andre M. de Roos

    (Section Population Biology, University of Amsterdam)

  • William S. C. Gurney

    (University of Strathclyde)

Abstract

Ecological theory predicts that stable populations should yield to large-amplitude cycles in richer environments1,2,3. This does not occur in nature. The zooplankton Daphnia and its algal prey in lakes throughout the world illustrate the problem4,5,6. Experiments show that this system fits the theory's assumptions7,8,9, yet it is not destabilized by enrichment6. We have tested and rejected four of five proposed explanations10. Here, we investigate the fifth mechanism: inedible algae in nutrient-rich lakes suppress cycles by reducing nutrients available to edible algae. We found three novel results in nutrient-rich microcosms from which inedible algae were excluded. First, as predicted by theory, some Daphnia-edible algal systems now display large-amplitude predator-prey cycles. Second, in the same environment, other populations are stable, showing only small-amplitude demographic cycles. Stability is induced when Daphnia diverts energy from the immediate production of young. Third, the system exhibits coexisting attractors—a stable equilibrium and large-amplitude cycle. We describe a mechanism that flips the system between these two states.

Suggested Citation

  • Edward McCauley & Roger M. Nisbet & William W. Murdoch & Andre M. de Roos & William S. C. Gurney, 1999. "Large-amplitude cycles of Daphnia and its algal prey in enriched environments," Nature, Nature, vol. 402(6762), pages 653-656, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:402:y:1999:i:6762:d:10.1038_45223
    DOI: 10.1038/45223
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    Cited by:

    1. Nisbet, Roger M. & Martin, Benjamin T. & de Roos, Andre M., 2016. "Integrating ecological insight derived from individual-based simulations and physiologically structured population models," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 326(C), pages 101-112.
    2. Morozov, Andrew & Sen, Moitri & Banerjee, Malay, 2012. "Top-down control in a patchy environment: Revisiting the stabilizing role of food-dependent predator dispersal," Theoretical Population Biology, Elsevier, vol. 81(1), pages 9-19.
    3. Ginzburg, Lev R. & Jensen, Christopher X.J. & Yule, Jeffrey V., 2007. "Aiming the “unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics” at ecological theory," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 207(2), pages 356-362.
    4. Cabrera F, María I., 2011. "Deterministic approach to the study of the interaction predator–prey in a chemostat with predator mutual interference. Implications for the paradox of enrichment," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 222(3), pages 598-605.
    5. Vanoverbeke, Joost, 2008. "Modeling individual and population dynamics in a consumer–resource system: Behavior under food limitation and crowding and the effect on population cycling in Daphnia," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 216(3), pages 385-401.

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